University Opera Theatre to Premiere Chamber Orchestral Version of Dream of the Red Chamber

Tickets are available now.

University Opera Theatre is coming of age as one of the brightest gems in the Twin Cities opera scene. 

Already renowned for its edgy, vibrant production style (Suor Angelica, Jenufa, Midsummer Night's Dream, and Carmen’s Tragedy, among many others), and its groundbreaking presentations of contemporary opera (Elmer Gantry, Sister Carrie, Hometown to the World), University Opera Theatre is embarking on its most ambitious project to date. 

In November 2024, it will present a new production, and the world premiere, of a chamber orchestral version of Dream of the Red Chamber, in collaboration with the Chinese Heritage Foundation of Minnesota. This opera is composed by Bright Sheng to a text co-written with David Henry Hwang, whose original version of the opera was premiered by San Francisco Opera in 2016 and revived in 2022.

This new production of Dream of the Red Chamber will be directed by Opera Theatre artistic director David Walsh and conducted by Professor Mark Russell Smith, artistic director of University Symphony Orchestra. 

Academy Award-winning designer Tim Yip is acting as artistic consultant to the project and it will feature the choreography of celebrated classical Chinese dancer Zhongmei Li, as well as the talents of Taoist philosopher and dancer, Al Huang. Together with thrilling contributions from our finest young singers in the University of Minnesota, School of Music Voice/Opera program on magnificent display, this is a moment in Twin Cities performing arts cultural history not to be missed.

Performances will take place at the Ted Mann Concert Hall from November 21-24, 2024. 

Look behind the scenes.

University Opera Theatre would like to acknowledge the very generous support of the Chinese Heritage Foundation of Minnesota and its many friends in making this production a reality. 

Generous philanthropic support provided by our Producers Circle: Jim St. George and Mark Sullivan, Craig and Janet Swan, Steve Tsai and Margaret Simpson. 

Additional support provided by the University of Minnesota China Center.